Karambit Knife

The Best Karambit Knives

The karambit knife is fast becoming the modern version of the Swiss Army knife, the go-to blade in combat, as a utility tool and for rescue work. In response, makers have created innovative designs that update the traditional style.

Today, you have several choices to choose from. These are all solidly based on the centuries old model, which has proved itself in a multitude of situations, from fighting to fishing, law enforcement to everyday carry.

With a several varieties to choose from, how do you find the best karambit knife for your needs? Here is a look at the traditional karambit style and modern variations.

The Traditional Karambit

The original karambit developed in Southeast Asia centuries ago. Inspired by the claw of the tiger, the slightly curved implement was used for raking, planting rice and threshing.

Local conflicts and regional wars have long been part of the history of the area. Soon the karambit became a defensive weapon. This version had a more sharply curved blade, a dangerous fighting implement. Over time, a safety ring on the end of the handle was added.

Combining the Best of Old and New

The curved blade and safety ring are now basic to every karambit. To meet the needs of modern users, a variety of features are available that update the original blade. Together, they produce the most versatile and reliable knife available.

In every karambit, the user puts his index finger through the safety ring, while grasping the handle. The blade is positioned down, giving its cutting action power and speed.

Because of its curved blade and the ring, the karambit is in a class by itself when you need to rip, tear, cut and slice. The ring ensures that your grip is always secure.

It can cut at any angle, in awkward positions, in cramped spaces, and even underwater. Even if you cannot see well, due to dust or weather conditions, you can still maneuver the blade with confidence.

Variations to Meet Current Uses

People buy the karambit today for a wide range of uses. People in the military use them in combat. Law enforcement and first responders buy them as rescue tools.

Farmers, fishermen, hunters, backpackers and rock climbers use them for slicing rope, gutting fish, cutting vines and brush, and a host of outdoor tasks.

Martial artists use them in Filipino kali, Malaysian bersilat, Kuntao, Bruneian arts, and Pencak Silat. Do-it-yourselfers use them for everyday carry, much like the conventional Swiss Army knife.

To meet all these needs, designers have come up with innovative variations. These include folding blades, as well as the conventional straight blade. These knives can even be folded small enough to wear around your neck.

You can buy straight-edge blades or serrated, made from several types of metals. The handles come in a host of materials.

Some karambits are made more as utility tools, others are definitely for combat and martial arts. New users can train on dull-edged practice knives.

Here is an overview of the many karambit variations now available.

Folding Karambit

Most people choose a folding karambit, which lets the knife tuck into the handle. This lets you carry it easily in your pocket or in a backpack, without worrying about a sheath. These knives are very portable and easy to conceal.

Neck Karambit

Taking convenience up a notch, you can also choose neck karambits. These fold up into a very small unit that can be attached to a chain and worn around the neck.

Fixed Karambit

This is a karambit in the traditional style. You store the blade in a sheath for protection. Because they are made from a single piece of steel, they have no moving parts.

Blade Edge

The two most popular types of karambit blades are straight and serrated. The straight blade works much like a normal knife, with the added advantage of the karambit’s curve.

The serrated blade is helpful for first responders or search and rescue people. It makes it easy to saw through a branch, cut through clothing or bandages that are extra deep.

Types of Materials

Modern karambit blades are made of high quality stainless steel, sometimes with Teflon coating and special finishes. The most common materials for handles are steel, aluminum, wood, composite, carbon fiber and titanium.

Fighting Karambit

For combat, the goal is to inflict damage on your opponent. Modern designs can make this easier with the addition of specific features.

For example, a spur on the safety ring helps if you are engaged in a fighting style that emphasizes nerve attacks or pressure points.

For ease of use, look for a karambit that has a handle design that makes it simple to deploy the grip either forward or reverse. For safety and speed, choose a model that lets you open it with one hand as you take it out of your pocket.

Utility Tool Features

Modern updates to the traditional karambit make it the perfect utility tool. Depending on the model you buy, features can include:

Phillips head tip

Hex wrench

Flathead screw driver

For rescue and entry, certain karambits have features that make it easy to:

Cut a seatbelt

Break a window

Provide a carabiner clip

For convenience and safety, choose one with ambidextrous opening and the ability to open it with one hand.

Training Knife

A training karambit, also called a practice knife, has edges that aren’t sharpened. The dull edge prevents accidents, making them suitable for martial arts. This is also the knife to use when you’re still learning how to work with the karambit.

Making the Most Use from Your Karambit

Do you really need to start with a training karambit? Yes, definitely, if you intend to use it in martial arts or simulated combat, or any situation that involves another person.

The karambit design is simple, but using it effectively is a skill that takes time and practice. The best way to get the most from your knife is to work with someone experienced using it.

Choose a person who uses it for the same purpose you bought it. If you selected the karambit for everyday carry, as a utility tool, work with a skilled field user. If you chose it for martial arts, work with an experienced teacher.

If you want to do special moves with the karambit, or a fancy skill set, a training knife is highly recommended, so is a training DVD.

If you buy the karambit as a utility tool, it is not absolutely necessary, but it is helpful. Watching an expert explain the best way to hold and use the knife will show you how to leverage its power and versatility.

Do not be in a hurry to transition from the practice knife to the sharpened one. Be sure you are comfortable with the blade so you do not injure yourself or someone else. Safety comes first. If you have any doubt on the matter, stick to the training blade.

Which Is Best?

The karambit has been used as both a defensive weapon and a utility tool for centuries. The variety of knives sold today offer updated features that streamlines their effectiveness for everyday tasks, out in the wild, in combat and for martial arts.

The best karambit knife is the one that fits your purpose. Its design has always focused on function not form. Unless you are a collector, find the knife that helps you accomplish the tasks you often do. And remember, whatever knife you get, you are not stuck doing just one type of job with it. All karambits are multi-functional. Whether fixed or folding, serrated or straight, all of them perform well as utility tools and as weapons.

Interested in the karambit? The Ultimate Knife offers an affordable package deal, with one sharpened karambit, one dull knife for practice, and a training DVD.

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